Podcasts about gospel jesus

On today's episode, Pastor Cameron looks at the Apostle Paul's willingness to pay for Onesimus' debt. This is a picture of the Gospel - Jesus paid the debt we could not pay in order to ransom us from our sins! 

In "A Miracle for Life's Disabilities" (John 5:1–9), Pastor Brent Snook brings us the third miracle in John's Gospel — Jesus healing a man paralyzed for 38 years at the Pool of Bethesda. Pastor walks us through the man's condition — helpless and hopeless after nearly four decades — Jesus' challenge with the penetrating question "Wilt thou be made whole?" — the command to rise, take up his bed, and walk — and the remarkable cure that transformed not just his body, but his behavior and boldness. 

Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com Over the years, I've watched people struggle emotionally, spiritually, and even mentally because they never learned how to break free from shame, self-judgment, and fear. Many people live every day feeling like they've disappointed God, failed beyond recovery, or can never truly move forward. But that is not the Gospel Jesus came to give us. In this episode of CyberChurch, I want to help you understand the difference between conviction and condemnation and show you how guilt affects your identity, your emotions, your relationships, and your ability to experience peace. If you're constantly battling shame, fear of judgment, or the feeling that you're never enough, this message will help you reconnect with the truth about God's love and grace. I'll share practical biblical tools that can help you break free from destructive thought patterns and regain control of your emotional and spiritual life. Real recovery starts when you stop seeing yourself through guilt and start seeing yourself through what Jesus accomplished for you. If you're ready to experience healing, freedom, and restoration at the heart level, this message will help you take the next step.

The Gospel is the proclamation that Jesus Christ is alive and that His Kingdom continues to advance as we proclaim salvation, deliverance, the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit, and minister healing to the people. The Gospel Jesus entrusted to His Church was never meant to be merely informational. It was transformational and it's still transformational. Romans 1:16 (ESV)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes... The world does not need better presentations, branding, or polished religious experiences. It needs an authentic encounter with the risen Christ and the reality of His Kingdom. The Gospel saves, delivers, empowers, and heals. That is the full Gospel Christ commissioned His Church to proclaim.

Read OnlineJesus raised his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all people, so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him.” John 17:1–2The entirety of Chapter 17 of John's Gospel is traditionally referred to as Jesus' High Priestly Prayer. This prayer concludes the Last Supper Discourse, which we have been reading for the past two weeks. It marks a transition from the conclusion of Jesus' public ministry to His Passion and glorification. With His teaching completed, Jesus begins His prayerful offering of His life to the Father. The prayer can be divided into three sections:Verses 1–11a: Jesus' intimate prayer to the Father focuses on their mutual glorification through the completion of His sacrifice. This “hour” of sacrifice and glory is now at hand.Verses 11b–19: Jesus prays for the disciples who accompanied Him during His earthly ministry, asking for their protection, sanctification, and perseverance in their mission.Verses 20–26: Jesus' prayer extends to all future believers, the Church throughout time, including us today. He prays for unity among believers, rooted in the love of the Father and the Son.Today, in liturgical Year A, we read the first section of this prayer, when Jesus speaks of His divine mission and His imminent return to the glory He shared with the Father before creation. This prayer highlights a central theme in John's Gospel: Jesus' “hour.”The theme of the “hour” was introduced at the wedding at Cana, the beginning of Jesus' signs. When the Blessed Mother intercedes for the couple, saying, “They have no wine,” Jesus replies, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come” (John 2:3–4). From that moment, Jesus references the concept of His “hour” throughout His ministry, pointing to the appointed time for His Passion and glorification. In today's High Priestly Prayer, Jesus makes His final and definitive reference to His hour: “Father, the hour has come…” (John 17:1). The hour of His sacrifice, the pinnacle of His earthly mission, has now arrived. Though Jesus was fully aware of the suffering He was about to endure, He did not enter into that suffering with dread or fear. Rather, He did so with eager resolve, knowing that everything He had done throughout His life and public ministry pointed to this moment, which had finally come.Jesus' human disposition while praying at this pivotal moment offers us an invitation to approach His Sacrifice in the way He did. His “hour” continues in our lives every time we are invited to embrace His Cross. Therefore, every opportunity for sacrifice—no matter how small—must be prayerfully embraced in union with Jesus' prayer.Jesus' prayer teaches us that sacrifice is not something to resist or begrudge. Instead, every sacrifice becomes an opportunity to glorify God and receive a share in His glory. When we embrace sacrifice with generosity and trust, we unite ourselves to Jesus' perfect Sacrifice, participating in His work of redemption and giving glory to the Father. Reflect today on the interior disposition Jesus manifested as He faced His imminent suffering and death. He did not cower or hesitate. He looked at His Cross with divine eyes, seeing His Sacrifice as the pinnacle of His life's mission and the source of glory for Him and His Father. As we strive to embrace our own sacrifices, turn to Christ in prayer, asking for His grace and strength to offer His prayer as He offered it to the Father. Most glorious High Priest, when Your hour of suffering had arrived, You embraced that Sacrifice with unwavering resolve. That resolve revealed the glory You shared with the Father. Please draw me into Your sacrificial love and help me to prayerfully choose every sacrifice to which I am called with the same determination modeled in Your High Priestly Prayer. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image by Prabowo Shakti from PixabaySource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Book of Acts - Acts 2:36-41: When was the last time God's Word truly cut you to the heart? Not just informed or inspired - but pierced, convicted and brought you face to face with Jesus? In Acts 2, Peter stands before a crowd and boldly declares the centre of the Gospel: Jesus is both Lord and Christ - the reigning King and the saving Messiah. This is not just good advice or spiritual encouragement; it's a life-altering announcement. And when the message lands, everything changes. Hearts are pierced. Questions rise. Lives are turned.This passage reveals the full shape of the Gospel: Jesus is proclaimed, the Spirit convicts, repentance is called for, forgiveness is offered and the promise of new life is given. But it also brings urgency - because the Gospel always calls for a response.Whether you've followed Jesus for years or you're still exploring faith, this message invites you to move beyond hearing… to receiving. To turn, to trust and to step into the life God is offering. Join us this Sunday. Bring a friend!

When it comes to modern Christian art on the internet, there's almost no end to pictures of our Savior, and images depicting Christian life.  However, many of them can only be described as, well …  “upside down.” Thankfully, in John's Gospel Jesus describes Himself, and has given us a beautiful picture of our salvation, in His portrait of the Good Shepherd. Piet Mondrian, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

[Inspiring] We are Christadelphians, and in this wonderfully open and revealing conversation, our brother Matt Davies shares his personal journey of faith—from growing up in a Christadelphian family to discovering the outstanding power of Bible prophecy. This unscripted, heartfelt discussion is packed with insightful, expositional teaching that will strengthen your confidence in God's Word. Matt explains how Daniel chapter 2's prophecy of Nebuchadnezzar's image provides a spectacular, historically verified roadmap of world empires—and points forward to the stone kingdom: the return of Jesus Christ to establish God's Kingdom on earth. If you've ever wondered why the Old Testament matters for Christians today, or what the real gospel message is, this video is a must-watch. Prepare to be inspired and challenged by the wonderful hope we have in God's unfolding purpose.**Chapters** 00:00 - Introduction: Matt Davies shares his background as a Christadelphian 00:08 - The Power of Prophecy: Daniel Chapter 2 and the Statue of Metals 01:34 - The Four Great Empires: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome 02:23 - The Fifth Empire? Rome's Division and the Stone to Come 03:50 - The Stone Kingdom: The Return of Jesus Christ 05:11 - Hope of the Gospel: Jesus' Bodily Return to Earth 06:16 - Why Prophecy Strengthens Our Faith 07:03 - The Old Testament and the New Testament: Indispensable Connection 08:11 - Jesus: Son of David and Son of Abraham 09:18 - The Hope of Israel and the New Covenant 10:39 - Galatians 3: The Promise to All Nations through Abraham's Seed 12:17 - The Gospel: Things Concerning Jesus and the Kingdom of God 13:37 - Scripture Alone: Our Authority as Christadelphians 14:09 - A Call to Be on the Lord's Side – Conclusion**Bible Verse Category**

We hope you've been blessed + encouraged today by this message from the series, Til Kingdom Come. For all updates + news, head to www.denverunited.com. For more information or to submit a prayer request, head to www.denverunited.com or email us at info@denverunited.com.

I. The Outline of John's Gospel: Jesus in time and in eternity - 1:1-18 Jesus manifested to the Nations - 1:19-12:50 *Jesus preparing His own - chapters 13-17 a. The Last Supper - 13:1-30 b. The Impending departure of Jesus - 13:31-38 Jesus passion and resurrection - chapters 18-20 II. Jesus is washing feet - 13:1-17 1. Jesus predicts His betrayal - 13:18-30 (Judas leaving the light and going out into darkness) 2. Jesus predicts His departure - 13:31-38 3. The glory of God - vv. 31-32 (God's love made known) 4. The children of God - v. 33 5. The removal of Jesus - vv. 34-35 (believers have a special love for one another based on the sacrificial loving example of Jesus; This Christlike love holds His children together when everything in the world seeks to pull them apart) 6. “As I have loved you” - John 3:16 7. John 15:13; I John 3:16 8. Ephesians 4:30-32 & Luke 7:47 9. I Corinthians 13:1-13 = Love is mentioned 27x in the first 3 gospels and 39x in John (26 in I John) = Loved mentioned 40x in the NT - 20x in gospel of John Love is the greatest example Love is the greatest commandment Love is the greatest evidence Love is the greatest virtue Love is the greatest magnet

Trump and MAGA don't just disagree with Jesus — they are selling the exact system Jesus came to destroy. In this episode of The Bible vs. MAGA, we go straight to the Sermon on the Mount and let the Beatitudes do the work. A viewer comment defending MAGA's values of honor, winning, and dominance became the entry point for a deeper question: what happens when the church adopts a worldview that Jesus spent His entire ministry dismantling? The honor-shame system that runs MAGA — the obsession with strength, the contempt for the weak, the gospel of winning — is not a Christian value. It is the ancient power structure the Beatitudes were written to expose. If you are a Christian wrestling with the fusion of Trump and the Gospel — or trying to find the words to explain why it feels so wrong — this is the conversation you have been waiting for.

This message on the Eighth Commandment challenges us to see that “You shall not steal” goes far beyond obvious acts of theft and into the deeper issues of ownership, trust, and the condition of our hearts. Because everything we have ultimately belongs to God, we are called not to be takers, but faithful stewards—honoring Him in how we work, give, and live. By exposing the subtle ways we take what isn’t ours and the heart attitudes behind them, this sermon points us to the Gospel: Jesus forgives our sin and transforms us from people who grasp and take into people who trust, give, and live open-handed for His glory.

This message on the Eighth Commandment challenges us to see that “You shall not steal” goes far beyond obvious acts of theft and into the deeper issues of ownership, trust, and the condition of our hearts. Because everything we have ultimately belongs to God, we are called not to be takers, but faithful stewards—honoring Him in how we work, give, and live. By exposing the subtle ways we take what isn’t ours and the heart attitudes behind them, this sermon points us to the Gospel: Jesus forgives our sin and transforms us from people who grasp and take into people who trust, give, and live open-handed for His glory.

This message on the Eighth Commandment challenges us to see that “You shall not steal” goes far beyond obvious acts of theft and into the deeper issues of ownership, trust, and the condition of our hearts. Because everything we have ultimately belongs to God, we are called not to be takers, but faithful stewards—honoring Him in how we work, give, and live. By exposing the subtle ways we take what isn’t ours and the heart attitudes behind them, this sermon points us to the Gospel: Jesus forgives our sin and transforms us from people who grasp and take into people who trust, give, and live open-handed for His glory.

Good Friday: It is Finished Hebrews 10:1-25 & St. John 19:1-37 by William Klock Picture again the scene we read about in last night's Gospel: Jesus and the disciples gathered in that “upper room”.  Their feet were dusty from a day spent walking the streets of Jerusalem.  There should have been a servant there to wash their feet.  But, instead, Jesus took up the towel and pitcher of water and began to wash the dust, the grime, the dirt from their feet.  Even Judas, whose feet were covered with dust from his journey to visit the high priest to betray Jesus.  Jesus washed even that dust from the feet of his betrayer.  Here was truly the Messiah, the suffering servant who came to wash his people clean from their sins.  Peter drew back.  “No Lord!  You can't wash my feet!  If anything, I should be washing yours.”  But Jesus insisted.  This is what he'd come to do. Jesus turned everything upside-down.  After washing the disciples' feet—something totally inappropriate for a teacher to do for his disciples—he took the bread and the wine of the Passover meal and started talking about them as a new sacrifice.  These men knew all about sacrifices. They knew all about bulls and goats and lambs sacrificed for sin, their bodies broken and their blood poured out before the altar to purify the people from the impurity of their sins, to make them fit for God to draw near.  And yet Jesus now took the bread and wine and said that it was his body broken and his blood poured out—that they were all on the verge of a new exodus, but this time he would be the Passover lamb, his body and blood would be broken to free them from the slavery of sin and death.  The disciples didn't understand.  Not at this point.  Picture them looking at Jesus and looking at each other with confusion.  What was he trying to say about the Passover?  They really did want to follow Jesus, they wanted what he had to offer, but they didn't understand yet what it was he was offering.  When Jesus had tried to wash Peter's feet, Peter had indignantly refused, but Jesus explained that he needed it—that if we wanted any part in his master, this washing was essential.  Of course, then Peter did want it—he wanted even more of it (“Wash all of me, not just my feet, Lord!”)—but he still didn't understand what it meant.  He just trusted Jesus.  This was the Messiah.  Peter wanted what was coming…whatever that might be. After supper Jesus took his friends to the garden of Gethsemane to pray.  Even after the foot washing and that last supper and all Jesus' talk about servants and sacrifices, they still didn't understand.  They had no idea what was going to happen.  They knelt among the olive trees as Jesus went off a little way away to pray by himself.  And as Jesus prayed like he'd never prayed before, the disciples drifted off to sleep.  They had no idea that something was about to happen that would change the world forever.  Jesus woke them up in time for Judas to return, leading a pack of Jewish soldiers who had come to take him away.  Peter drew out his sword, ready for the attack, and cut off the ear of one of the soldiers.  Maybe he thought that now was the time Jesus, the conquering Messiah, was going to throw off his clever disguise of humility and start the revolution that everyone expected.  Now was his chance!  But it didn't happen.  In fact, Jesus actually healed the soldier and told Peter: “I can appeal to my Father and he'll send twelve legions of angels.  But if I did that, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled?”  I can only imagine just how much more confused Peter was at that point. And the disciples ran away as the chief priest's soldiers took Jesus away in chains.  They figured it was over.  Chalk Jesus up as yet another failed Messiah.  But Peter wasn't ready to give up on his friend, so he followed along to the high priest's house to see what would happen.  He watched the sham trial they put Jesus through.  They condemned Jesus, and as the priests and soldiers spit on him and struck him, Peter gave up just like the other disciples had done a few hours before.  Three bystanders noticed Peter in the crowd and recognised him: “Hey, you!  You were with him.  You're one of his friends.  You're one of his followers.” And each time Peter denied knowing Jesus: “I don't know what you're talking about!  You must be blind!  I've never seen this man before!”  It wasn't just Judas.  By morning Jesus had been betrayed and denied by his closest disciples and friends.  All of them. And in the morning, the Jews dragged Jesus to the court of the Roman governor.  The Jews weren't allowed to execute anyone; the Romans had to do it.  And so Jesus went through another sham trial before Pilate, who caved to their pressuring.  He didn't want a riot on his hands and the Jews were crying for blood—and not just blood—they were crying out for a Roman crucifixion.  Pilate asked them, “But this man is King of the Jews?”  And they shouted back, “No he's not!  We have no king but Caesar!”  That had to be the most unJewish thing ever shouted by a crowd.  I expect that shout left Pilate utterly speechless.  If they'd all suddenly began feasting on roast pig he couldn't have been more surprised.  I expect it had Jesus in tears.  He knew, just as they knew, that the Lord was Israel's king, not Caesar.  But they were so angry with him, they were so set on their rejection of Jesus the Messiah, that they would do the unthinkable and declare their allegiance to Caesar instead.  On Sunday the crowd outside the city had hailed him as King, but now their voices were drowned out by this great hoard calling for his blood.  Not wanting trouble, Pilate gave them what they wanted. His soldiers, the whole battalion, took Jesus to be scourged.  They spit on him, they put a reed in his hand and a crown plaited of thorns on his head and mocked him as king, and then they beat him senseless.  They led him away with two violent thugs, revolutionaries, very possibly from Barabbas' gang.  On a hilltop just outside the city, the soldiers held Jesus down on a cross while they nailed him to it with spikes through his wrists and through his feet.  Then they raised the cross up and dropped it heavily into the ground.  His mother and his friends watched as his blood poured and as he struggled for breath.  For three long hours he hung there.  Roman crucifixion was known for its agony.  The shoulders were dislocated.  Hanging, you couldn't breath.  So you pushed yourself up, putting all your weight on the spike through your feet to gasp for air—alternating between the agony of asphyxiation and the agony of being nailed to a piece of timbre.  Some men lasted for days like that.  Jesus had been abused so badly, all it took was three hours.  He cried out to his Father—in relief, in exhausted victory, “It is finished.”  And just to make sure he was dead, John says the soldiers pierced his side with a spear.  Blood and water gushed out from the wound.  Not what anyone would normally expect, but a detail noted by John.  Maybe to stress the reality of Jesus' body, because there were those at the time John wrote who claimed that Jesus' body had only been an illusion.  As John saw blood pour from Jesus' side, he couldn't help but remember the blood pouring from the animals sacrificed in the temple, and as the wind sprinkled Jesus' blood on the group gathered at the foot of the cross, John remembered standing in the temple as the priests sprinkled the blood of bulls and goats on him and the gathered sons of Israel.  Purifying them from the stain of sin and death. The clouds darkened the sky.  The earth shook.  The great, heavy curtain in the temple that closed off the holy of holies, the place of the Lord's presence, was violently torn in two.  The graves gave up their dead, who went walking through the streets of Jerusalem.  Something remarkable had happened and everyone noticed, but no one understood—except maybe that centurion who confessed, “Surely this man is the son of God!”  Despite all that, the city was quickly back to its business.  Jesus' friends wept in sadness or in anger, and they went home to lie low lest the authorities come after them next. That evening Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate to claim the body of Jesus.  They took it down from the cross, wrapped it in linen, placed it in a tomb, and sealed it up. Maybe now the disciples started to ponder what Jesus said last night when he had talked about his body and blood being given as a new—as a perfect—sacrifice.  In our epistle lesson from the tenth chapter of Hebrews, we read some more about the nature of Jesus' sacrifice.  The Law and the old sacrifices were but a shadow of the good things to come.  “It can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.  Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins?  But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year.  For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Hebrews 10:1-4). The blood of bulls and goats, sacrificed over and over, could only convict the people of sin as it pointed to the perfect sacrifice of the Messiah that had not yet been made.  And so Hebrews 10 says that Jesus came to do “away with the first in order to establish the second.  And by that…we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Messiah Jesus once for all”(Hebrews 10:9-10).  The writer of Hebrews goes on to give us a vivid picture contrasting the old and the new: “Every priest [and he's talking about the priests of the old covenant] stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sin.  But when the Messiah had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God…for by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:11-14). Jeremiah wrote, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds…I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”  And Hebrews reminds us, “Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin” (Hebrews 10:16-18). When Jesus breathed his last and cried out, “It is finished,” it was finished.  Whereas in the old covenant the priest laid the sins of the people on the bulls and goats sacrificed repeatedly on the altar, Jesus, our great High Priest, took our sins upon himself and died the death that we deserved.  The old sacrifices fell short.  They could cleanse the people from the impurity of their sins, but the blood of bulls and goats could never deal with the sin itself.  That's the difference between the old sacrifices and the perfect sacrifice of Jesus.  In the shed blood of Jesus we are purified so thoroughly that, in the Holy Spirit, God himself can live in us, renewing our hearts, writing the law—once carved on tablets of stone—now the Spirit writes that law of perfect love on our hearts. When Jesus breathed his last and gave himself up to his Father, the temple served its last function in redemptive history.  Under the old covenant the holy of holies—the most holy place—was where the presence of the Lord resided visibly for the people, resting on the ark of the covenant.  And yet the people weren't allowed into that place—into the direct presence of the Lord.  Only the high priest was allowed there and then only once a year.  No sinful human being could enter the presence of the Lord and the priest only did it to make an annual sacrifice for sins—and he did so only after a series of purification rituals for himself.  Nobody went there, because sinners can never enter the presence of a holy, just, and righteous God. But when Jesus made his perfect sacrifice on the cross that day—as he breathed his last and pronounced, “It is finished”—the heavy veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the people was torn in two.  By his death, Jesus opened the way into the presence of the Father.  Through Jesus sinners now find perfect forgiveness and, through God's indwelling Spirit, they become the new and perfect temple. On the cross Jesus stretched out his hands; he stretched out one hand to all those who had trusted in him, seeing the future and coming Messiah as they made their sacrifices at the Temple.  And with his other hand Jesus reached out to us, reaches out to the Gentiles, to the nations who had never heard of the Messiah.  On the cross he reaches out with both hands, uniting both peoples to himself, establishing his body by giving new life to dead and paralysed limbs through his life-giving body and blood.  Jesus said, “When I am lifted up, I will draw all men to myself” (John 12:32).  That's exactly what he did.  In fact, it's exactly what he still does.  He stretches out his hands to draw us in, to unite us to himself.  Through his perfect sacrifice he offers perfect forgiveness of sin.  Through his body and his blood he offers new and eternal life.  Through his Holy Spirit he renews and regenerates hearts and minds and leads us on the path of holiness.  And through his cross, he leads us through the torn veil and into the holy of holies—into the very presence of God.

This episode reflects on the question, “Is that a hill worth dying on?” by exploring how different figures in the Passion story answered it—Judas, Peter, Pilate, and the religious leaders—each with mixed motives and costly consequences. But at the center stands Jesus, who knowingly and willingly chose the cross. The message highlights the astonishing truth of the Gospel: Jesus declared that this hill—Golgotha—was worth dying on for sinners. His “yes” to suffering and sacrifice reveals a love beyond comprehension, securing forgiveness, life, and salvation. In response, listeners are invited to see themselves and others through that same lens of sacrificial love, transformed by Christ's decisive “yes” into people who live differently in a darkened world, anchored in His eternal light and victory.

In a culture eager to reshape Jesus into something more comfortable, Pastor Scott confronts the growing trend of redefining Christianity without the cross. Drawing from Scripture and the events of Palm Sunday, he shows that Jesus didn't avoid the cross—He walked toward it on purpose. His death wasn't a political execution or a symbolic gesture; it was the necessary sacrifice for our sin. Pastor Scott warns against becoming what Paul called “enemies of the cross,” those who claim Christ but reject His lordship and the meaning of His death. This message calls us back to the true Gospel: Jesus gave His life as a ransom for many, and understanding the crucifixion is the only way to truly appreciate the resurrection and live a life worthy of His sacrifice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This powerful exploration of Luke 19 invites us to rediscover why Jesus came, not just as a historical fact but as a deeply personal reality. The story of Zacchaeus reminds us that Jesus didn't come for the religious or the put-together; He came specifically for those who are far from God, for those hiding in trees of addiction, isolation, or shame. The profound truth emerges that while Zacchaeus thought he was searching for Jesus, it was actually Jesus who was intentionally seeking him. Jesus didn't just happen to pass through Jericho; He walked purposefully to that specific tree, called Zacchaeus by name, and invited Himself into his home. This is the heart of the Gospel: Jesus sees us not as categories or reputations, but as individuals worthy of pursuit. The challenge presented is convicting: Are we merely fans of Easter, wearing the cross as jewelry, or are we players in His mission? The difference between looking and seeing becomes central. We can look at people every day without truly seeing them as Jesus does, seeing beyond their past to their potential future. The call is clear: Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and if His mission is to be our mission, we must intentionally move toward people far from God, building relationships before expecting repentance, offering grace before demanding change.

In today's Gospel Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. The woman's need to visit the well every day is a symbol of her fundamental thirst for love (which is also evidenced in her having had five previous husbands and a current live-in boyfriend -- she is looking for love in all the wrong places)! But, after encountering Jesus, she goes back to town and leaves her water jug at the well, a symbol of her thirst having been quenched. She won't need to keep returning to the water that does not satisfy (nor to the men who did not satisfy). She has found the living water! And the One for whom she has always been searching.

In this week's continuation of the "Make Room" series, Billy Atkins dives deep into what it means to make room for God in our hearts. Starting with a vulnerable personal story of everyday frustration, Billy reveals how our emotional reactions often expose a much deeper, desperate craving for love and acceptance.Exploring Genesis 1:26-28, we learn that we were originally created in the image of God—who is love itself. However, when sin entered the world, we placed ourselves on the throne of our own hearts, desperately trying to govern and fulfill our own need for love. Discover the true power of the Gospel: Jesus didn't just die to forgive your sins; He died to dethrone the tyrant of self and offer you a completely new heart filled with His Holy Spirit.Speaker: Billy AtkinsMain Scripture: Genesis 1:26-28

In this lecture, David Bailey, the founder of Erebon, explores the themes of identity, kinship, and the nature of belonging in the context of Christian faith, particularly through the lens of Matthew 12:46-50. He begins by emphasizing the significance of his personal journey and the influence of historical figures as a means of constructing identity. Through this, Bailey highlights how African Americans, particularly after the Reconstruction period, have had to navigate complex societal landscapes that often involve a strong communal and familial identity.Bailey establishes a connection between personal identity and collective experiences, drawing on his interactions with influential figures. He discusses how identity is shaped not just by individual accomplishments but by the broader community context, often alluding to the necessity of kinship in ancient Mediterranean culture, where family bonds served as critical social constructs. In this setting, kinship was integral to economic, political, and religious identity, intricately tied to notions of honor and shame. The radical act of Jesus redefining family in the Gospel serves to challenge listeners' understandings of belonging and inclusion.Transitioning to the scriptural text, Bailey calls attention to Jesus' response to those seeking to speak with him, where he redefines familial bonds in terms of obedience to God's will. He illustrates that for Jesus, true kinship transcends biological ties and hinges instead on the shared commitment to doing the Father's will. This redefinition posits that belonging to God's family is open to all who pursue righteousness, regardless of their backgrounds or social standings.Bailey articulates three key characteristics of the children of God as derived from the Gospel of Matthew: belovedness, obedience, and resemblance. He notes that the acknowledgment of one's belovedness by God is foundational; it is not something one earns but a status received by faith. Obedience follows as a response to this belovedness, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance to God's will even amid trials, which characterizes true discipleship.Moreover, he explains that resemblance to the Father should manifest through actions, particularly in loving one's enemies and actively pursuing peace. The contrast is drawn between cultural behaviors and kingdom principles, suggesting that authentic expressions of faith are marked not by hostility but by active peacemaking. He underscores the communal aspect of this identity, denoting that the prayer life of the believer enhances their understanding of their relationship with the Father and sustains their identity as children of God.Bailey concludes by reinforcing that the community of believers, defined by a commitment to doing God's will, forms an inclusive household. He challenges listeners to reflect on whether they embody the values of this new kinship—one that transcends conventional boundaries marked by race, status, or heritage. The lecture serves as both an invitation and a challenge to embrace a more profound understanding of what it means to belong to the family of God—a community shaped by love, obedience, and mutual recognition of divine kinship.

This lecture explores the profound teachings of Jesus as presented in Matthew 11:20-30, focusing on Jesus' denouncement of unrepentant towns and his invitation to those who are weary. The session begins with a reading that sets the stage for Jesus' criticism of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, towns that witnessed numerous miracles yet failed to turn to God. The lecturer, Ian, introduces this context by recounting a story from the life of Matt Canlis, who, while meeting with a skeptic from a small Scottish village, illustrated the significance of geographical proximity to miraculous events and the accountability that comes with it.Ian emphasizes that these towns had unprecedented access to Jesus and his teachings, making their rejection of his message particularly poignant. By juxtaposing these Galilean villages with notorious cities like Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom, Jesus underlines a critical biblical principle: with great knowledge comes great responsibility. The discussion invites listeners to reflect on their own context, especially in a nation like the United States, where access to the words and teachings of Jesus is unparalleled.The lecture transitions to a prayer from Jesus expressing gratitude for God revealing truths to the “childlike” while hiding them from the “wise.” This prayer shifts the tone from condemnation to affirmation, illustrating God's preference for humility and receptivity over intellectual pride. Ian draws parallels with historical and scriptural references, noting the consequences of a hardened heart towards God. The lecture stresses that genuine worship and relationship with God go beyond outward appearances and rituals; their essence lies in the condition of the heart.The focus then moves toward the invitation Jesus extends to the weary and heavy-laden. Ian elaborates on the concept of taking on Jesus' yoke, explaining its implications both as a metaphor for learning from him and as an invitation into a deeper relational dynamic with the God who provides rest. He articulates that this rest is not merely physical relief but an overarching peace that comes from trust in God's provision.Ian contrasts Jesus' yoke with the burdens of cultural expectations and personal struggles, urging participants to consider what yokes they might be carrying that leave them exhausted. He discusses the dual nature of Jesus as both humble and powerful, capable of bearing burdens while inviting believers into a partnership that offers rest and learning. The imagery of yoking together, especially a younger ox with an older one, illustrates the nature of this relationship—Jesus as the stronger partner who supports the believer in navigating life's challenges.As the lecture progresses, Ian invites listeners to engage with their own weariness, suggesting that coming to Jesus provides not just relief but guidance in learning to live in alignment with God's will. The session culminates with an invitation for prayer, allowing those feeling burdened an opportunity to seek support in the community and to step into the rest that Jesus promises.Ultimately, Ian emphasizes the importance of remaining receptive to God's voice and guidance, challenging listeners to approach their faith with the eagerness of a child ready to learn. The invitation to “come to me” is framed not just as a call to relief but as an entrance into a transformative relationship with Jesus, reinforcing the belief that he offers a fitting yoke that leads to true rest for the soul.

Why Is This Happening To Me? | Christ For YouText: Genesis 3:19; 1 Corinthians 4:7 | Ash WednesdayWhen life hurts, do you put God on trial? When life goes well, do you take the credit? Have you prayed, “God, why is this happening to me?” like an accusation? Like you deserve better? Like God owes you answers?Ash Wednesday cuts you off. What do the ashes say about you? What do they silence? What do they expose? Are you dust? Mortal? A sinner? Then what is left to do but repent?Scripture presses harder: “What do you have that you did not receive?” Did you give yourself breath? Keep your heart beating? Hold your life together for one second? If you want “credit,” will you take it for what is truly yours: sin and the death it brought? And if suffering is not always tied to one specific sin, do you still see its root in the fall and the curse?Then the Gospel: Jesus takes what you earned, guilt, shame, curse, death, and bears it on the cross. Why was He forsaken? For you. What do you get instead? Forgiveness. Peace with God. Life. So where will you take your “why” now? Will you go looking for explanations, or will you go to Christ who gives Himself to sinners?Subscribe & Share:Spotify: Christ For YouPortuguês: Cristo Para VocêWebsite: ZionWG.orgLooking for a Lutheran Church near you?Support the preaching of God's Word

This lecture explores a profound scripture reading from Matthew 10:26-42, emphasizing the themes of division, persecution, judgment, and mercy as understood through the life and teachings of Jesus. The speaker begins by urging the audience to not fear the threats posed by others, reminding them of the divine care and value placed upon each individual, illustrated through the metaphor of sparrows. The discussion highlights the duality of Jesus' mission: one that promises salvation and mercy for the faithful, and simultaneously declares a call to accountability for the disobedient.The lecture transitions into a thoughtful examination of the conflicting calendars individuals navigate—specifically, the Christian liturgical calendar of Lent coinciding with other cultural observances, such as Lunar New Year and Ramadan. This notion serves as a foundation to discuss the challenges and costs associated with following Jesus, particularly the inevitability of division among relationships, as stated in scripture. The speaker clarifies that attending to Christ's message doesn't equate to promoting conflict but is a call to acknowledge the cost of discipleship in a world filled with complexities.The concept of persecution is addressed, with reference to the experiences of early Christians who faced division from their families and social circles upon converting to Christianity. Drawing parallels to contemporary challenges faced by many believers today, the speaker prompts the audience to reflect on their own circumstances and the broader implications of faith in a divisive environment. The exploration of these adversities sets a stage for discussing God's judgment—not necessarily as a punitive measure, but as a means to evoke genuine repentance and transformation.Further, the lecture emphasizes that the division Jesus mentions isn't devoid of mercy or compassion. Instead, it stirs a call for introspection about how we each engage with issues of justice, integrity, and identity as part of the faith community. The speaker weaves together examples from both scripture and modern-day scenarios, illustrating that Jesus challenges the status quo, urging followers to embody love and hospitality despite divisive pressures.In concluding the exploration, the speaker brings attention back to the notion of mercy and grace that accompanies judgment, articulating that God desires reconciliation. The timing of both harsh calls for repentance and invitations to grace occur simultaneously, urging the listeners to examine their own hearts and actions in light of Lent—a season rich with opportunities for self-reflection and growth. Overall, the lecture resonates as a powerful reminder of the complexities of faith, encouraging a deep engagement with the themes of division, judgment, and mercy within the framework of Jesus' teachings, while affirming the call to love even in the face of adversity. The speaker closes with acknowledgments of how every act of kindness reflects the grace of God, prompting participants to live out their faith by showing compassion and hospitality to one another, illuminating the path toward Christ-like living amidst a challenging world.

In today's Gospel Jesus takes some broad commandments that many people probably don't find too difficult to follow and deepens them, making them much more challenging. From now on, it's not enough just that we don't "kill anybody". We must love our neighbor in body and soul. It's not enough that we don't sleep around. We must have purity of heart. The good news is that if Jesus commands it, this means it is possible for us -- but only possible if it's actually Jesus who does it: Jesus's charity in me. Jesus's purity in me.

Episode 884: The Mystery of The Gospel - Jesus' Blood and Life had infinite value! In this episode, Greg unpacks scripture to reveal the mysterious plan of God to redeem mankind. God had pre-planned the answer before time began–it's truly astounding! Download or request your FREE Study Notes for this series at https://gregfritz.org/study-notes/. Greg Fritz is on a mission to get the truth of the Good News to as many people as possible. The truth is God has a plan and a meaning for your life. You are extravagantly and deeply loved by God, and you were created for a purpose.  Receive a free CD and our newsletter: https://www.gregfritz.org/free-cd/   Follow Greg on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gregfritzministries/  Follow Greg on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregfritzministries/ Watch more videos: https://www.gospeltruth.tv/   Learn more on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrR9Rsx4h_RqYigda2PysZQ  Email us: info@gregfritz.org  Partner with us:  https://gregfritz.org/partners/ Donate: https://gregfritz.org/donate/

John 1:1-18 We begin a 13-week Sermon Series entitled "That You May Believe: Encountering Jesus in the Gospel of John". This journey is anchored in the central message of John's Gospel: Jesus is the Son of God, the promised Messiah, and through belief in Him we receive eternal life. In this first sermon, we ask "Who is Jesus?". We see that He is Eternal God. He is Life and Light. The Word became flesh and dwelled among us. We're called to believe, to receive and thus to live. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE  

In the Gospel Jesus proclaims, blessed are those who take offense in me.  As we get closer to the holidays, we are reminded of these words, that when we encounter someone or something other than what we want, that it may be Jesus in disguise, and reflect on how to love best.       Come, follow us: Parish Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  YouTube  |  Spotify Music

Have you ever considered yourself a minister? Paul writes in the book of Ephesians that we are all called to be ministers, and that it is a privilege to serve others! We hope you love this message by Pastor Jon Sanders, on how God can use your past as a platform to minister to others and share the good news to all. Ephesians 3:7-9, Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 Peter 2:9 #pastors #5fold   Please follow our websites for more! Website: http://www.newlifechurchsf.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewLifeSF/ Youtube: https://youtu.be/7Ig-qXgVAmE/ Pastor Alex Klimchuk New Life Church 500 S 1st Ave Sioux Falls, SD 57104

In the opening line of Mark's Gospel Jesus is referred to as "the Son of God," except that the Greek phrasing in this instance, somewhat non-typically, lacks any definite article. That this idiom echoes imperial propaganda is seen to be likely when a Roman centurion employs the same wording as he observes how Jesus died on their cross. Dr. Christopher Hays, a return contributor to this podcast, is president of Scholar Leaders and host of Faith on the Road Podcast. Among his publications are When the Son of Man Didn't Come: A Constructive Proposal on the Delay of the Parousia and Eight Million Exiles: Missional Action Research and the Crisis of Forced Migration. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/49x9aP4  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3XH7R8U 

Bob Strader. John's Gospel sermon series. Nov. 9, 2025. Christ Community Church: https://www.cccfamily.org. Watch online: https://www.youtube.com/user/CCCFamilyArlingtonTX

This week Pastor Mike explores the tension right at the centre of John's Gospel: Jesus' radical claim that we find life by dying to ourselves. This tricky and prone to misunderstanding teaching is central to the life-giving truth of Christ.

Bob Strader. John's Gospel sermon series. Oct. 19, 2025. Christ Community Church: https://www.cccfamily.org. Watch online: https://www.youtube.com/user/CCCFamilyArlingtonTX

The Gospel of Matthew opens with a genealogy. Another long list of names in the Bible which you would be forgiven for thinking would make for dry conversation. But a closer look reveals this list of names tells the story of God's faithfulness in keeping his promises throughout the generations. From Abraham to David, and from exile to Christ, this chapter reveals how God's plan of salvation unfolds through flawed and broken people. Even the inclusion of Gentiles and those with scandalous pasts points to the heart of the Gospel: Jesus came to save sinners like us.  The Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Matthew 1.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

The Gospel—Jesus entered our suffering, giving us hope. Thank you for listening to Encourage-Mint. If you've been refreshed, don't forget to subscribe, Leave a review on iTunes, and share a little Encourage-Mint with someone you love. Encourage-Mint is a podcast from Family Radio. These moments are just a taste of what you can hear every day. Listen at FamilyRadio.org or find more encouragement on the Family Radio app.  Get daily Scripture and encouragement by following Family Radio on your favorite social media platforms:FacebookInstagram Twitter

Leanne continues our series by looking at the very heart of the Gospel—Jesus' love for the sinner—and how we are called to emulate Him in this.

Our society typically praises the saver and calls the spender foolish. In today's Gospel Jesus does the opposite. Tune in to learn more!

In today's Gospel Jesus helps us to see who our "neighbor" is (anyone whom God places in our path), and he calls us to be inconvenienced and involved in the lives of those who need help. Reflecting on how Jesus has done this for us, may we say "yes" to his call: "Go and do likewise!"

Galatians is Paul's urgent letter to a church losing sight of the truth. In chapter 1, he calls them back to the real Gospel: Jesus gave His life, rose again, and offers us full forgiveness. We don't earn God's love—we receive it. In Christ, we're already enough. That's the message Paul refuses to let go of—and it's the message we're invited to cling to! Message Delivered: 6/1/25

In today's Gospel Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you." Clearly Jesus is distinguishing his own peace from the peace that the world has to offer, but what is the difference? How can we seek Christ's peace and not simply  what the world considers to be peace?

Tyler continued our Easter series, Real, with a powerful message in week three, focusing on the unjust trial Jesus endured. Despite the overwhelming political and religious corruption surrounding Him, Jesus stood with unwavering integrity. He didn't resist arrest or lash out in defense. Instead, He willingly surrendered, spoke truth without aggression and responded with quiet strength—His actions perfectly aligned with His teachings. Jesus's surrender wasn't a sign of weakness; it was a demonstration of purpose. He chose the path of submission not out of helplessness, but to fulfill His mission—displaying divine power even in apparent defeat. Tyler makes a poignant comparison between Jesus and Peter. While Jesus stood strong under trial, Peter denied even knowing Him. Three times. To strangers. Around a fire. This comparison hits hard. It convicts us—but it also comforts. Because while Peter faltered, Jesus never did. And here lies the beauty of the Gospel: Jesus knew Peter would fail. And He loved him anyway. This reminds us that integrity isn't about perfection—it's about the alignment of our actions with our values. Peter stumbled, but Jesus remained faithful. So, trust Jesus—not because of religion, tradition, or obligation, but because of who He is. He can withstand your doubts, your questions, your wrestling, your scrutiny. Put Him on trial, and you'll find someone worth following— not because He demands obedience, but because He wins hearts. Will you test Him for yourself—and let His steady, trustworthy character draw you to faith and reflection?

In today's Gospel Jesus saves the woman caught in adultery from a terrible fate.  We can imagine her joy, relief, and love after Jesus's intervention.  As sinners saved by Jesus, we are all in the same position.  Deep sorrow for sin precedes the great joy of forgiveness in Christ. https://comeawaybyyourselves.com